The Rialto Theatre

1620 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27608, USA

Related:	century theater daly city
Related:	solon movie theater
Address:	1620 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27608, USA
Phone:	+1 919-856-0111
Site:	ambassadorcinemas.com
Rating:	4.7

Location

Photos 74

Reviews 27

Dale Broadbent

The Rialto on Glenwood near the "Five Points" area has a single theater and shows niche and independent movies. It is apparently family-owned, according to their website. We went there for the first time today and had a great experience - the proprietor is very accommodating and ready to serve, greeting us at the door when we entered. Parking is a challenge - the theater does not have a parking lot at all, so you have to park on neighboring streets, and they accept cash only so make sure you come prepared with cash on hand. If you forget there are a few ATMs within walking distance. The ambiance inside is wonderful - clean, posh, and the lighting was very nice in the theater and in the foyer. They dont bombard you with commercials anywhere and the movie previews before the feature show were minimal, pertaining to what their theater would be showing. Their popcorn is great, being cooked with coconut oil and a secret blend of spices. Butter is optional. They serve various snacks and alcoholic beverages, all of which are reasonably-priced. A very UN-traditional theater, highly recommended. One star deducted for the lack of parking lot, which exposes their patrons to a very dangerous intersection - the Five Points intersection. Be careful when crossing Glenwood!

Kelly Long

Place reminds me so much of another vintage theatre in Weymouth, MA called the Cameo. This place has that old-school authentic feel to it but also looks and smells run down because, well, it is - but so long as the bathrooms are clean and the popcorn machine still works, right? Really gracious of them to allow Rocky Horror to still do their thing on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Friday of every month. Also adore how they do special viewings and occasions depending on whats happening the world (i.e. Labyrinth following David Bowies passing, RIP).

Steve Williams

We really enjoy date night at the Rialto. The theater is older, but the seats are very comfortable. The popcorn is still made the old fashioned way and tastes great. Drink cups are small in comparison, but both drinks and popcorn can be refilled for just $1.00. Weve always found the staff to be very friendly. In addition to the standard fare, they offer a small bar with beer and wine.

Mick Mize

Its like going to a friends movie theater. It was great. The staff was friendly, they have really good ginger beer in bottles, and theater is spacious as heck. Popcorn was good, refills are available on both sizes, and the seats are comfy. Pre-movie screen was black (thank god!) and there was fun jazzy-dancey music playing. I felt like dancing in the aisle. I would totally go again.

Oliver Peckham

Not the best picture. Okay sound. Small, grungy, and can get kind of hot inside during the summer. But hot damn, if youre a film nerd, the curation here will keep you coming back. This is a theater for people who want to go to midnight screenings of old movies or see the latest foreign film as soon as it hits the U.S. Been coming here for a long time, and dont plan on stopping!

Mark Self

Art house movies with a neighborhood feel. The movies change regularly so if there is something you like playing do not procrastinate-I have missed many a movie by waiting. Nice bar selection too. It is definitely "retro" -do not go for the comfort of the seats. The friendliness of the staff and the movie selections overcome this shortcoming.

Katie Dombrowski

Vintage theater...there is only one screen for whatever one movie they have. It is very spacious and I love the lights inside. It is very grand. Its cash-only. Reasonably priced snacks and drinks, and you cant go wrong with .75 popcorn refills. They also have beer. If a movie is playing here that I want to see, this would be the spot.

A Private User

This is a renovated theater that mostly shows art house and independent films. The one film always playing at Rialto is usually better quality than any of the other films at the multiplex theaters. Serves alcoholic drinks in a single-theater building. Very classy, very sophisticated, best theater in Raleigh.

Rhonda Roberts

This is the best theatre experience: awesome staff that make us feel at home every time. Great popcorn, great beer, great snacks. All very reasonably priced....for a movie theatre! ;) Plus they have great showings of other events, like the Oscars or The Super Bowl. Tip: they only take cash.

Esther Getker

I love the Rialto because it plays movies that are not showing at other theaters. Its also kind of a funky old theater with some character in the five points section in downtown Raleigh. Sometimes the people who work behind the counters are a little offputting and they just need to chill.

Garrett Button

Its a nice place (kind of the only place) for indy movies in Raleigh, but its certainly showing its age in the walls, and if youre sitting right under the lights during a film, its super distracting. Oh well, they get good films and they serve good beer - the rest is just hoping.

David Iversen

They really need to start taking credit cards in 2016. Just a pet peeve of mine. Could use a bit of a facelift as well. But as one of the triangles last remaining independent theaters certainly the go-to place to watch small films and local showings.

TwinCities16

I absolutely LOVE the Rialto Theatres atmosphere. I saw "Its a Wonderful Life" on big screen. In the past, I had seen it on television. Seeing this classic on a big screen was nothing short of amazing. The staff is very accommodating.

A Private User

Going to the Rialto is always a treat! From the retro look & feel and the friendly down-to-earth service to kicking back & relaxing to an Indie film on the big screen with a cold beer or glass of wine. Oh, & Jennifer is AWESOME! =)

Martha Spencer

This is one of my favorite places in Raleigh. Its an art film house. It has a permit that allows beer sales. Cash only for tickets. My only complaint is that the popcorn is stale.

A Private User

It features The Rocky Horror Picture Show every friday night at midnight :D. With the movie being old and the retro look of the theater it is very fun. Come and see for yourself!

Helen Yoest

My 15-year old daughter and I attend regularly. In fact we are going tonight. I asked my daughter what she wanted to see, and her response was, "Anything playing at the Rialto."

Wally Robertson

A unique Cinema showing not only current releases but also indie, foreign and classic movies. They also serve beer, wine and champagne - now thats what I call culture.

Evan Creekmore

One of my favorite theaters for going to see indy films and smaller run films that dont show up in the big corporate theaters. They always have great special events.

Benjamin Watson

Hooray! Indy cinema with wine. Cash only, so hit the atm. Nice big seats, typically lots of space, but can be crowded opening nights.

Andy Raynor

Awesome locally owned movie theatre for indie films. Solid local beer selection and great concessions prices.

james peddycord

Great theater for true movie buffs supporting non commercial mainstream movies and more independent films.

Steven H

I regularly go there for the Rocky Horror events, Ive never been there for other shows.

Jillian Morton

They have a live showing of....what for it..... THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW!!!

Phillip Jones

Its that oldest Theater on Raleigh, with the old style pre-trip corporate feel